Contemporary sushi and new wave Asian inspired dishes served in a lively setting is what makes Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar a critic’s favorite. Wine Spectator called Sansei “Endless innovation with a strong Japanese accent.” Bon Appetit named the restaurant one of their “Favorite Asian Restaurants” and one of “America’s Best Sushi Bars.”

Sansei’s sushi chefs are known for their highly imaginative creations, like their signature Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, and the famous Kapalua Butterfly Roll, a colorful delight of salmon, crab, shiromi, and fresh vegetables. A multiple first place winner at the annual Taste of Lahaina, Sansei’s Asian Shrimp Cake with Ginger Lime Butter and Cilantro Pesto, is a delicate shrimp cake encased in crispy Chinese noodles.

The first Sansei opened in March of 1996 at Kapalua Resorts, Maui, with additional restaurants opening in Honolulu and Kihei, Maui in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

In Japanese the word sansei refers to “third generation” and founder D.K. Kodama felt that this was a fitting name for a restaurant inspired by Japanese tradition, but serving contemporary interpretations of sushi and Asian cuisine. It is also a reference to D.K. Kodama’s background as a third generation Japanese American.